From a Wheelchair, Venezuelan Journalist Beats the Mixed-Zone Scramble for World Cup’s Biggest Stars

Manu Gutiérrez, an independent journalist from Venezuela who uses a wheelchair, has landed interviews with some of the biggest names at this year’s World Cup, including Lionel Messi (twice), Jude Bellingham, and James Rodríguez. He did it not from a press room but in the chaotic “mixed zone,” where reporters jostle for a moment with players as they pass through. Yahoo News New Zealand reported that it’s a remarkable feat for a “fresh-faced independent journalist from Venezuela.”

Yahoo News New ZealandDisabled Journalist Is A Favorite Of Messi, Many More World Cup Stars

“Pretty good for a fresh-faced independent journalist from Venezuela.”

Deadline noted that his wheelchair and the physical barriers of the mixed zone do not stop him from competing with able-bodied journalists for access. The determination and skill he brings to each scrum have won him a reputation among stars, who often stop to speak with him when they might have kept walking. His scoops include not only Messi but also coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina defender Cuti Romero, and more.

DeadlineWheelchair-Bound Venezuelan Journalist Manu Gutiérrez Wins Over World Cup Stars Including Messi

Each interview is a small victory in a setting where even a slight hesitation can mean missing a player. Gutiérrez positions himself strategically, using his voice and preparation to stand out in the crowd. Yahoo News New Zealand emphasized how he secures these conversations amid the “scrum of the ‘mixed zone,’” a space defined by noise and haste.

The coverage shines a light on how independent journalists are carving out space at major tournaments. Gutiérrez’s success is a reminder that ingenuity and persistence can overcome physical limits, and that the world’s biggest athletes often respect that effort. For a journalist who operates without a big outlet’s backing, each interview is both a personal win and a statement about inclusion in sports media.